"Art" by Yasmina Reza 

Nottingham Theatre Royal.

This play was last at the Nottingham Theatre Royal in 2018, but this is the first time that I've seen this play, so I went into this production completely blind.

Art is one of those things that is completely subjective, always has been. What one person loves, and feels to be deep and meaningful, another finds rubbish. What someone feels a piece of art is worth is personal preference, yet despite knowing this one can't help but judge the viewpoint of others. Over the centuries art has always been the subject of great debate; remember the uproar at Tracy Emin's 1998 "Unmade Bed"?

A seemingly simple purchase of contemporary art ignites a debate amongst three close friends. What begins as a light-hearted discussion about art quickly descends into an exploration of the blurred lines between art and reality. It is set in Paris, in the apartments of all three of the characters.

One of Marc's best friends, Serge, has just bought a very expensive painting. It's about five feet by four, all white with white diagonal lines. To Marc, the painting is a joke, but Serge insists Marc doesn't have the proper standard to judge the work. Another friend, Ivan, allows himself to be pulled into this disagreement. Eager to please, Ivan tells Serge he likes the painting. Lines are drawn and these old friends square off over the canvas, using it as an excuse to relentlessly batter one another over various failures. As their arguments become less theoretical and more personal, they border on destroying their friendships. At the breaking point, Serge hands Marc a felt tip pen and dares him: "Go on." This is where the friendship is finally tested......

The whole play is a test of friendship and of the power of debate.

All three deliver monologues of varying lengths, and when you think that this is only Sean's second stage play, something that you would not have guessed by the quality of his performance. There's a strong chemistry between all three, and you could really believe that these three men are all the best of friends, but like all best of friends there are bumps in the road, or in this case, potholes!

Sean Walsh plays Yvan, who's peace keeping nature gets him caught in the crossfire between his two buddies. Sean is more well known as a very successful and funny stand up comedian, but this play shows him also to be a really good comedy actor. There's one monologue regarding wedding invitations which he delivers almost without taking a breath, highlighting his comedic background.

Chris Harper plays Serge,  the modernist, extravagant painting owner who prides himself on his taste and high brow opinions. You'll recognise Chris from his TV roles in "Call The Midwife, "Upstairs Downstairs", "Life On Mars" and recently playing Nathan Curtis, who was the head of the grooming ring in "Coronation Street".

Aden Gillett plays Marc, the traditionalist who is "stuck in his ways". His complete disregard for the piece of work and stubbornness brings much of the comedy to the play. Aden is a well respected theatre and TV actor. His CV lists productions from "Mary Poppins", "Three Sisters", "A Midsummer Night's Dream", "An Inspector Calls" and "Blithe Spirit" among his many credits.

It bears certain resemblances to "The King's New Clothes" as to what people envisage.

Directed by Iqbal Khan, this production celebrates the 30^th anniversary of the play, and is quite unlike any play I've seen. The comedy is sharp and is balanced by some real dollops of pathos, mainly from Sean's character. All three also manoeuvre the scenery.

Set and lighting design is by Ciaran Bagnall. I loved the set with its' blue and burnt orange colour washed walls, showing the style of a Parisian style minimalist apartment with limited props. 

Sound designer and composer is Max Pappenheim. The incidental music as the scenery is moved around is very classy, and with the actors projecting well - no need for mics - the whole sound for this show was very enjoyable and comfortable on the ear.

The costume supervisor is Nancy Surman.

Due to some strong language, the play has a 12+ guidance. I really enjoyed "Art" and I think you will as well. Having no prior experience of "Art" before, for me, it was really refreshing to see this fast moving piece of comedy theatre with its' stylish set and original subject matter.

"Art" is a one act comedy which only lasts 80 minutes and is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 12 October.